US imposes arms embargo on Cambodia over Chinese military influence

Human rights abuses and corruption were also cited as reasons for the restrictions

Washington and Beijing are jostling for position in Southeast Asia, where Cambodia has become one of China’s most important allies

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An armed security guard stands under a Cambodian flag in the capital Phnom Penh in November 2012. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:02am, 9 Dec 2021Updated: 8:25am, 9 Dec 2021

The United States imposed an arms embargo and new export restrictions on Cambodia on Wednesday over what it said was the growing influence of China’s military in the country, as well as over human rights and corruption.

The actions by the departments of State and Commerce reflect Washington’s effort to counter China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia, as Cambodia has become one of China’s most important allies in the region.

The US State Department added Cambodia to the list of countries to which all arms exports are banned, according to a filing with the Federal Register.

“Cambodia continues to allow the PRC to expand its military presence and construct exclusive-use facilities on the Gulf of Thailand” despite the appeals of US officials, the filing said, using the initials for People’s Republic of China.

The impact the ban will have is unclear. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the United States is not a supplier of arms to Cambodia.